Our neighbor is having their trees "topped"

[SHRED]

This after I explained the damage and increase maintenance that happens with topping as opposed to "lacing" (thinning) the trees.

What's crazy is the tree trimming estimates she got. Every single contractor said to top them.

Mind boggling.

[flying_wahini]

1. What kind of trees are they?

Is the neighbor just taking their word for it?

[SHRED]

2. Eucalyptus, ficus, and Brazilian pepper

I don't know why they took their word.
I told my neighbor to research lacing as opposed to topping.

[onethatcares]

6. here in sunny west central floriduh

the ficus and brazilian pepper are invasive. I'd burn em down.

[patricia92243]

3. Sometime trees have to be topped because of electric wires, etc. n/t

[SHRED]

4. Yes

Not in this case however.

[Wellstone ruled]

5. The downside we found from topping is,

the proliferation of Suckers. Once the Center Spike is removed,the natural growth and shape of the tree changes as well as the health of the tree. in process of trying to save two Japanese Privets(Texas Privet)trees . Wind storm ripped the Center spikes out of both and yes the trees bushed out,but,both are now Sucker bound which does not promote good tree health as well as a real ugly job of sucker removal. This particular species are known for being attacked by a Griddle Fungus when it's health is threatened.

If it is a power-line issue,yes trim it,but if not just brush the tree out(lacing).

[Major Nikon]

7. Lacing out is almost as bad as topping

A mature tree should have no more than 20% of its growth pruned. The problem is people will let trees go for years or decades and expect a quick fix to a problem that took a very long time to develop. Over pruning results in weakening of the tree followed by irregular growth spurts which inevitably require even more problems and maintenance in the future.

I’m not surprised so many tree services recommend topping. Most do not have a certified arborist on staff, and they really don’t make the best recommendations.

[SHRED]

8. Good advice on lacing.

[Major Nikon]

9. I've heard the term used differently

Most often I’ve seen it used to describe radical pruning which significantly thins out the interior of the tree.

I have a certified arborist that I’ve been using to maintain my trees for many years. His advice is to remove nothing unless you have a good reason to do so. Otherwise you are inviting more problems than you’ll ever hope to solve.

I have several live oaks that will undoubtedly outlive me that he has developed into great trees which look fantastic.

[SHRED]

10. There are lots of eucalyptus where I live

When they are thinned the tree is so much safer.
Eucalyptus have a nasty habit of breaking.

[Wounded Bear]

11. Just got back from working my ass off...

My brother's neighbor had several trees taken down. Spent the late morning hauling wood from one yard to the other.

They were mature trees, too. 18" long rounds at about 14-18" diameter.

Oh well, I needed the excercise.